The Colour Black

I really quite like this although it's, simple it's direct and pretty well done. I suspect that as the keywords suggest a reflector has been used to give definition to the key's edges - which certainly work and rather delicately pick out a bit of texture. Quite a fiddly object to light with tapered key light strobes, so this is a good compromise. A bit 'hot' exposure wise on the triangular bit - but still a cracking effort.

Well, this is a potentially interesting shot but it's marred by technique that's a little lacking. Firstly, it isn't critically sharp. Although Cartier-Bresson liked to say that “sharpness is a bourgeois concept” (I suppose he should know). However, in a context like this when the subject's stationary - and you're not trying to make an aesthetic point (see for example, Michael Ackerman's work) - it's a good idea to try for it. Secondly, and more importantly, I suspect that this is shot either on Auto or Aperture Priority because the blown highlights on the helmets is likely down to the camera's average exposure that takes into consideration of the black costume. The good point is that you've seen something interesting - the next hurdle is making the image match the intent. Keep pushing.

It's always tricky to see clearly when I'm presented with an image that I can't critically enlarge, but this is a nice effort that might be improved by more subtle light. I like the set-up, the pose and the portrait in general - and I can see that you're going for a reasonably hi-key light(s) that 'strakes' across both model and detail. It very nearly comes off too - but the model's legs are slightly over, as is the sleeve closest to the light. That kind of sleek, picking out of detail might actually require several key lights possibly masked off (black screened/barn doored) from each other. That said, this remains a cracking shot. Well done.

There is something to be said for this frame although I think the final result might not have been intended. I actually like the abstract nature of the image (although the propeller's angle is a bit of a distraction) but I suspect that that is due to the camera's meter desperately trying to compensate for the strong highlight. A way around this is either to shoot with a more accurate exposure or expose for the highlight itself. Anyway, intriguing whether a decision or not...

Nicely done,. Presumably one large light model right and one to skim the backdrop model left. I like the model's position and her eating back slightly towards the light is engaging. perhaps her face is a little bright but her right eye is just caught and illuminated to give shape and definition. Nice.

This is pleasing compositionally - I like the framing of the numbers and the space the driver occupies in the fame in terms of balance but exposure-wise, it's a little off which has caused the highlights to blow. Transparency film has very little latitude and so one always needed to be really careful. `I'm presuming as this is a scan that there was nothing left in the highlights to bring in. A shame but still a nice frame.

Although this is not strictly black, the frames examines night (blackness) in an effective and textural way. I like the framing of the street lights and their spectral glow and I like the shadows that appear to blend with the trees and the almost abstract shapes of the climbing frame. I'd like a more considered exposure to perhaps bring out a more subtle colour gradation. but this is a very nice effort.

I really do like this but it has its limitations. Firstly, it's a lovely shape and I like the contrast between the face and the tubular complexity of the instrument. The exposure on the face isn't bad (although highlights are being lost right at the edge of the cheek and just under the lips) but it's the quality of light that's a bit problematic. It's very harsh - so perhaps from a small source. It also only picks out one side - which is fine - but it misses quite a lot of detail in the bassoon in doing so. Two lights that are a little larger and more subtly angled might help. Good effort though.

Delightfully textural and, apart from the red hue of the rock, bottom right, almost monochromatic. I think it's the framing of this that adds to the drama - the receding wave given space in the image to sweep backwards to reveal different layers of blackness. Nicely done.

This is about blackness but additionally about its tonality: from dark to light. The frame additionally speaks to shape - the angular wings against the soft, lapping curves of the water. It is of course the smudge of yellow on the bird's face that makes us look twice at an almost monochromatic scene. Well done.

Sometimes simplicity is key and this image, understated and contemplative is simple. But effective. Abstract work can be challenging but the composition concentrates on mostly the black paint with the rust well positioned to keep our interest. The red is nicely rendered and overall, this is successful.

A really nicely lit still life where the key light(s) caress rather than choke the highlights to give texture and shape. I particularly like the overhead(?) light that gives shape to the inside of the bowls, frame right. Shame that the mug/jug? rim isn't fully illuminated but that is a very minor quibble and technically this is a cracker.

Texturally exquisite, this image not only explores blackness in a wide gamut but also works on another level: that of shape. The curve of the beak, the catch of the soft-box in the bird's eye and the irregularity of the plumage is delicately picked-out by what I presume is a single overhead soft-box. The work is as strong as it is simple and elegant.

Could this be an architectural rendering of Orwell's Ministry of Truth or could it be a slightly blurry close-up of packing material? I don't know and I don't care: what this beautiful image has in spades is subtle tonality and intrigue. Some of the best images are ambiguous and this is certainly puzzling. Wonderful.

I think that this is an excellent interpretation of blackness, both in terms of colour and culture. Photographically, the skins tones are well rendered and subtle. and compositionally, the locks frame the face nicely. Technically I'd prefer a (rim) light that more clearly separates the model from the background (I think that there's been a bit of dodging to cover for this) and a more generous (larger) key and fill to more clearly define features, but this is a strong effort.